Te Arawa set to mark 125 years since Mt Tarawera erupted

On the morning of June 10, 1886 the earth around Mt Tarawera came to life with a violent shake, sending plumes of smoke, ash and lava into the air and leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Tomorrow is the 125th anniversary of the eruption that left about 150 people dead and buried the famous Pink and White Terraces under more than 50m of water.
Te Arawa will commemorate the day by taking a journey to the top of the mountain to mourn the loss of their ancestors and to plan for the future.
Te Wairoa Valley was once a thriving community of six small villages on ancestral land belonging to the Tuhourangi and Ngati Rangitihi people of Te Arawa. The mountain itself belongs to Ngati Rangitihi.
All six villages were destroyed by the eruption and the Tuhourangi and Ngati Rangitihi people of the area were forced to move out.
Eventually Tuhourangi found their way back to Whakarewarewa where they were invited to live by the people of Ngati Wahiao. Ngati Rangitihi moved back to the coast.
Ngati Rangitihi Trust chairman Ken Raureti said about 200 people from Te Arawa whanui would be taken to the top of the highest peak on Mt Tarawera, Ruawhahia, to commemorate the occasion.
"It's a day for us to reflect, commemorate and korero about the disaster.
"Very few people know the villages where my people lived were completely devastated by the eruption. Everyone has heard of the Buried Village because people actually survived.
"For my people, there were no survivors."
Mr Raureti said June 10 was highly significant for Te Arawa whanui and in particular the people of Ngati Rangitihi, Tuhourangi, Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Whakaue.
Viewers of TV One's Breakfast show will see presenter Tamati Coffey present the weather for the nation live from the top of the mountain.
Staff at the Buried Village also have plans to mark the anniversary with two open days on the weekend.
While letting local iwi commemorate the anniversary tomorrow, staff at the village will open their doors to everyone on Saturday and Sunday.
Workers will dress up in period costumes and there will be competitions, helicopter rides and two guest speakers on Saturday from 7pm.
Bookings are essential.
To book for the event, phone (07) 362 8287.